Governor Scott Walker was in Eau Claire Wednesday afternoon, just in time to comment on the state budget passed by the Joint Finance Committee overnight. The Governor addressed the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook luncheon. Afterward he talked with reporters, where he addressed Democratic leaders’ criticism that $650 million in tax cuts are mostly for the rich.
“This is about transforming the system and reducing tax rates for all the taxpayers in the state,” Walker said. He added that the cuts are not just for individuals, as some of the big beneficiaries will be small businesses. “Most small businesses pay individual and not corporate taxes,” Walker said.
Walker also responded to criticism by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers, to the expansion of private school vouchers, saying the budget adds $150 dollars per student per year for public school funding.
“You’re talking about a handful of kids who are … particularly low-income families who are going to be given a chance to find an alternative,” Walker said of the voucher expansion.
The budget moves on to the Assembly next, where Walker said he doesn’t expect major changes.
Dan Lea, WAYY
